Then the next one punches me right back into reality.
"Re: Silver Cattle Ranch Status—urgent!"
Opening my inbox again, sure enough, there's a calendar invite labeledUrgent: Silver Cattle Progress.
Clicking into the meeting, I plaster on my best professional smile.
"Kassi," my boss says the moment the camera flickers on, "we need better traction with this ranch. We thought they'd bite at the relocation perks. They didn't. Why?"
I want to say because Asher Walker is a mule in a flannel shirt. But instead, I offer the diplomatic version.
"They're emotionally invested. It's not about the money. It's a legacy and something they worked hard to get. If I'm honest, I don't see them giving it up for any amount of money."
My boss frowns, seeing only inconvenience where there is truth. "Everyone has a price. Find theirs. We're not interested in losing this piece of land. Not when we're this close."
My stomach twists. I nod, say I understand, and close the call without another word. He has never explained why he is so set on this ranch, not when there are so many other ranchers we could talk to.
Part of me is wondering if his ego was hurt when the previous owner sold it to the brothers for less than my boss was offering him. The other part of me is certain there is a good reason, but it's above my pay grade to know it.
The truth is, I'm starting to doubt if wearethe good guys. Is any of this about helping people, or is it just profit masked in PR buzzwords?
My rent's due in five days. The electric bill came in higher than I expected. And Emma needs new shoes because she's growing like a weed. I stare down at the spreadsheet of properties and offers, wondering how long I can keep pretending this is all okay.
That's when my phone rings again. This time it's Candy.
"Hey! Just confirming you're dropping off the little miss around four?"
"Yep, I'll have her packed and ready. Thanks again."
"Of course. And don't forget youaregoing with me to the dance hall tonight."
I groan. "Candy."
Previously, she had discussed this idea with me. North will take Emma and their daughter, Holly, to Candy's dad's house for dinner and playtime since Candy's sister is home from school. It’s especially nice because Candy's dad treats Emma just like she's his granddaughter, and Emma eats it right up.
"Don't you dare try to wiggle out. I've already laid out your outfit. Figuratively speaking. You need to get out. Dance. Drink. Maybe make eyes at a handsome stranger."
"Pretty sure there are only twelve people in this town under sixty."
"And at least four of them are single cowboys. Come on, it's the grand opening. It'll be fun."
I hesitate. My body aches with the kind of tired that sleep doesn't fix. But Candy's right. I've been drowning in work and mom life for months. Maybe a night off wouldn't kill me.
"Okay," I say finally. "But if I'm awkward, you're not allowed to ditch me."
"Deal. I'll bring the liquid courage."
Hanging up, I glance around my kitchen again. There's a spot near the stove where the paint's peeling, and someone before me tried to patch it with floral wallpaper. It doesn't match anything else, and I used to think I'd cover it up eventually. But now I kind of like it. A weird little reminder that things don't have to be perfect to be home.
Still, I let myself dream for a second. Picturing a wide farmhouse sink, painted cabinets, and a porch that overlooks rolling hills instead of the neighbor's rusty trampoline. I picture space. Peace. Maybe even love, if I'm allowed to want that, too.
But that feels far away. Right now, I've got a kid to raise, a job to hold on to, and a town full of cowboys who think I'm the enemy.
Still, tonight I'm going to dance. Or at least try.
And maybe, just maybe, I'll remember what it feels like to be a woman—not just a mom or an employee or a ticking time bomb of stress.
Just me. For one night.